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The ADHFP initiative demonstrates that even a system burdened by decades of underinvestment can be revitalised through visionary leadership and coordinated effort
In today’s interconnected world, access to quality healthcare is a global imperative. As nations grapple with escalating healthcare challenges—from ageing populations in developed countries to systemic underfunding in emerging economies—primary healthcare remains universally recognised as the foundation upon which resilient health systems are built. Yet in many parts of the world, including Nigeria, decades of neglect have left millions without even the most basic medical services.
Across continents, innovative approaches have emerged to address these disparities. In high-income countries, technological advancements and integrated care models have revolutionised patient outcomes. Meanwhile, in low- and middle-income settings, community-based interventions and public-private partnerships are becoming the beacon of hope. Nigeria, often described as the “Giant of Africa,” stands at a critical juncture in its quest to provide accessible, quality healthcare for all its citizens.
At the heart of Nigeria’s struggle lies a paradox: despite the existence of over 30,000 primary healthcare centres (PHCs), only a fraction are equipped to offer even the most essential services. Long waiting times, inefficient record keeping, and dilapidated facilities are daily realities that compromise the health and well-being of countless Nigerians—especially those in rural and lowincome communities.
Enter the Adopt-A-Healthcare-Facility Programme (ADHFP), a groundbreaking initiative that is reshaping Nigeria’s health landscape. Conceived by Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Founder of the AigImoukhuede Foundation, and driven by the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN), ADHFP is turning the tide on a struggling system. By committing to adopt and standardise at least one global standard Primary Health Care (PHC) facility in every local government area, the programme is setting in motion a model of sustainable, community-driven healthcare reform.
What makes ADHFP so remarkable is its dual strategy. In some regions, the programme is constructing new facilities from the ground up—a bold “greenfield” approach—while in others, it is rehabilitating and modernising existing centres through a “brownfield” model. Both methods are tailored to meet the unique needs of local communities and are supported by robust multi stakeholder partnerships that pool resources, expertise, and accountability.
The ADHFP initiative demonstrates that even a system burdened by decades of underinvestment can be revitalised through visionary leadership and coordinated effort. In Edo State, the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation is at the forefront of this revitalisation, having adopted a total of 23 PHCs—four of which have been fully revitalised—with additional projects well underway to improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare for citizens. Emphasising sustainability, the Foundation has also launched a comprehensive five-year plan to ensure that every adopted PHC continues to operate efficiently and meets evolving community needs. Nationwide, ADHFP has successfully led to the adoption of 215 PHCs, marking a significant step forward in enhancing healthcare services across the country. This proactive approach not only sets a new benchmark for healthcare delivery in Nigeria but also demonstrates the power of targeted, sustainable intervention in reshaping public services for the better.
More broadly, ADHFP is a compelling example of how private sector engagement can catalyse public good. In a global context where the challenges of healthcare access are as diverse as they are complex, the innovative model offers valuable lessons. It demonstrates that with a clear strategy, targeted investments, and a steadfast commitment to excellence, systemic change is not only possible—it is within reach.
As the world continues to seek solutions to its most pressing health challenges, Nigeria’s primary healthcare transformation journey stands as an inspiring reminder that leadership matters. The pioneering work of PSHAN through ADHFP is a testament to the power of collective action and strategic innovation, offering a beacon of hope for Nigeria and for every nation striving to ensure that quality healthcare is a universal right.
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Lusaka — African health ministers and partners are calling for increased investment in integrated health services to address the growing burden of severe noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), particularly those affecting women and underserved populations across the region. At a high-level side event during the Seventy-fifth session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, delegates emphasized the urgent need for equitable access to prevention, screening, treatment, and rehabilitation across the continuum of care for NCDs. Disparities are especially pronounced in rural areas, where health infrastructure and services remain inadequate. Breast and cervical cancers are among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in sub-Saharan Africa—particularly cervical cancer, which is both preventable and treatable. It remains the most common cause of cancer death for women in the region. In 2022, Africa accounted for nearly a quarter (23%) of the 76 000 global cervical cancer deaths. Meanwhile, severe NCDs such as Type 1 diabetes, sickle cell disease, and heart conditions claim more than half a million lives annually, including among children, adolescents, and young adults in some of the continent’s poorest communities. Inequitable access to health services continues to hinder efforts to reduce this burden. To improve cervical and breast cancer care in the region, urgent investment is needed in leadership, governance, and financing. Strengthening these foundations is critical in the current funding landscape. Advancements in strategic planning, healthcare infrastructure, workforce training, and—most importantly—equitable access to screening, diagnostic, and treatment services are essential. To address these challenges, WHO and its partners showcased successful integrated models such as the Women’s Integrated Care for Cancer Services (WICS), the BEAT Breast Cancer Project, and the PEN-Plus Strategy. WICS strengthens early detection, treatment, and integration of women’s cancer services into primary health care systems in Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. The BEAT Breast Cancer Project is a transformative multi-year initiative aimed at reducing breast cancer mortality among women in Tanzania and Ghana through early detection, timely diagnosis, and comprehensive treatment access. “PEN-Plus, WICS and the BEAT Breast Cancer Initiative are models for a new standard of care, rooted in equity, access and health justice. I urge countries to prioritize policies that embed these models into broader health system strengthening, said Dr Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa”. Côte d’Ivoire offers a compelling example of progress, combining high HPV vaccination coverage—reaching over three million girls (91.4%)—with WICS-supported community-based screening campaigns to strengthen cervical cancer prevention. In Kenya, cervical cancer screening has been successfully integrated into national health services. “This gathering marks a pivotal moment to accelerate action for breast cancer prevention in Africa. We deeply value the leadership of the Ministries of Health of Ghana and Tanzania, and the steadfast support of the Pfizer Foundation in helping us achieve this milestone. The side event builds momentum for the policy prioritization of women’s cancers, partnerships to strengthen the broader women’s cancer ecosystem, and advance a health-systems approach to breast cancer prevention and management”, said Dr Somesh Kumar, Senior Director, Jhpiego. PEN-Plus expands access to care for severe NCDs at the district hospital level. Since its implementation, 20 countries in Africa have increased access to services for severe NCDs. Over 15 000 people are currently receiving treatment for chronic conditions such as sickle cell disease and Type 1 diabetes through PEN-Plus clinics.
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